Newport, Vermont is a surprising place in some respects. Though located in a remote rural area, it is the only City in the Northeast Kingdom, the place of commerce as well as local, county and state government services located in seven-square miles with blocks of neighborhoods with a definite “urban” feel. Newport is the first city in Vermont to join AARP’s Network of Age Friendly Communities. Newport’s Mayor, Paul Monette, in partnership with the City Council, supported the effort to have Newport join AARP’s Network of Age Friendly Communities on December 6, 2013. The Age Friendly Community Advisory Council first convened in the spring of 2014 to begin work on the community assessment.

The Advisory Council’s efforts are focused on addressing isolation and emphasizing the importance of aging-in-place in a manner that is consistent with the region’s vision of its future.